As efforts to resolve the obstacles obstructing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza continue, reports from Israeli media indicate that Palestinian-American businessman Bashar Bahbah, known for his close ties to decision-makers in Washington, is in Doha engaging in talks with Hamas, coordinated by ongoing Egyptian and Qatari efforts.

Bahbah's involvement is reportedly linked to U.S. official Jared Kushner's advisor, Steve Witkoff.

Analysts suggest this reflects the American desire for direct negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas, utilizing Bahbah as an intermediary.

Bahbah previously facilitated the release of U.S.-Israeli hostage Aidan Alexander last month through discussions with the group.

This suggests a continued role for Egyptian and Qatari mediators in overseeing and facilitating negotiations.

Israeli media outlet Channel 12 has cited an unnamed security source stating that Israel is choosing to negotiate indirectly with Hamas without sending delegations to Doha or Cairo.

Israel is purportedly maintaining full military operations in Gaza as part of a strategy to strengthen its position until Hamas agrees to Witkoff's latest proposal for a ceasefire.

A report by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth indicated that Witkoff has asked Bahbah to remain in Doha to further negotiate with Hamas, aiming to bridge gaps in the proposal while ensuring the dialogue remains open.

Simultaneously, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported on Monday that the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are engaged in a series of talks with Hamas to address the differences in their positions, noting that while negotiations are still active, significant divides remain, especially concerning the cessation of hostilities.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has held discussions with Hamas leaders abroad to explore potential solutions to the discrepancies between the current proposal and Hamas's feedback, which continues to seek additional U.S. assurances in any agreement.

In contrast, Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardaouy accused Israel on Tuesday of undermining the ceasefire proposal, which had the backing of Palestinian factions and U.S. mediators, for its internal issues.

He asserted that Israel desires to secure the immediate release of ten hostages without providing guarantees concerning the remaining terms of the agreement, while refusing to meet the minimum humanitarian protocol established via intermediaries.

Witkoff has described Hamas's response to the U.S. proposal as “totally unacceptable,” emphasizing that Hamas’s acceptance of the plan is the sole pathway to a 60-day ceasefire agreement.

This proposal includes Hamas's release of half of the live hostages it holds and the repatriation of half the deceased bodies in its possession, following its earlier announcement of its willingness to release ten living hostages and hand over eighteen bodies.

The Egyptian and Qatari governments have since issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to intensifying efforts to reconcile differing views and resolve outstanding points based on Witkoff’s proposal.

Hamas has expressed appreciation for the continuation of mediators' efforts, signaling a readiness to engage in indirect negotiations aimed at resolving disputes to secure relief for its population and achieve a permanent ceasefire along with the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed ElArabi posited that Bahbah’s ongoing appearances are indicative of American strategies aimed at identifying regional players familiar with the dynamics.

He noted the necessity of maintaining the roles of Egypt and Qatar, given their historical influence in the region.

As the situation remains tenuous, Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza.

Health officials in the region reported that Israeli forces killed at least 27 Palestinians and injured dozens near a food distribution site in southern Gaza.

This came just hours after the announcement of the deaths of three Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza clashes.

The persistent violence raises concerns regarding the feasibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement, with officials suggesting that an agreement is not likely in the immediate future.